Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Yes, you read that right. No, it's not a misspelling. It is what Matt has dubbed my latest creation, pea tendril pesto.We had bought a big bag of pea tendrils at the farmers market. They were great in risotto, pasta & salad but still there was a bunch left. I wanted way to use it all up before it went bad & thought why not a pesto. Make it just like you would a basil pesto.

Put the pea tendrils, parmesan & garlic in a food processor. Pulse until chopped finely. With the processor running add the olive oil a little at a time until the peasto has a cream texture.

Taste & season with salt & pepper.

Makes about 1 cup

I went light with the cheese & garlic here because I wanted the main flavor to be peas. It makes for such a light, fresh pesto. You can definitely add more to your tastes or even play around with it by adding other flavors that go with peas like mint.We used some of the pesto in a easy pasta with some quick sautéd sugar snap peas, onions & a little cream. It would also be good as in a pasta salad or potato salad, on a pizza, with chicken & I bet fantastic with lamb. Store it in small containers in the freezer for the fresh taste of peas all year.

I noticed there were still some beautiful looking bunches of tendril at the farmers market last week so go grab yourself some while this spring treat lasts.